Stoke City welcomed Sheffield Wednesday to the bet365 Stadium on Good Friday in a crucial Championship match. The home team, under Mark Robins, returned to their stadium after a key win at Cardiff and played in front of a packed crowd, the largest since 2018.
Robins praised the atmosphere, saying it was “outstanding” and that the team’s performance was good. He emphasized the importance of the fans’ support and the good relationship building between the team and the crowd.
When asked about Jordan Thompson’s substitution, Robins explained that he wanted a different balance in terms of right-footed and left-footed players. Thompson showed great urgency when he came on, and Robins praised his character.
Stoke City took the lead with a stunning solo goal and later scored a second goal that ricocheted off a Wednesday player’s backside. Robins joked that while the goal was comical, it was also a bit lucky. However, he emphasized that the team made their own luck and that the goal was a result of their pressure and weight of numbers in the box.
Robins also discussed injuries, including Enda Stevens, who is still some way from playing, and Josh Wilson-Esbrand, who is fit but not fully ready.
Wednesday’s manager, Danny Rohl, expressed disappointment with the result but acknowledged that his team had overachieved in the past 18 months. He emphasized the need for hard work in the summer to improve the team and prepare for the next season.
The win was significant for Stoke City, who face tough fixtures against Leeds United and Sheffield United in the coming weeks.
